Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven

Weather today: Warm am. Showers pm.

Daily Miles Covered: 21

Total Miles Covered: 854

Things of Interest: RBS Caledonian Challenge

Personal Comments: It was an early start today with quite a few hills to contend with, but nothing I haven't done before. 7.50am and I was set. A short climb had me looking back on the valley I spent last night, what a gorgeous view it was. You can easily run out of superlatives describing these mountains, so if I go o.t.t., you will have to forgive me. 3 miles on I came to Loch Tulla, it was like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains, making it a double show. Beyond the hotel at Inveroran the road ran out and began a gradual climb towards Rannoch Moor. All around were mountains to look at north south, everywhere. On the north facing slopes of some of them, snow still lay, making it look like the summer hadn't arrived in the high country. At King House Hotel, A watering hole on The WHW. I noticed walkers coming towards me, I thought ah! its Saturday, people will about. It turned out to be a sponsored walk from F. William to Ardlui, 54 miles in 24 hrs., what! I thought there would be 50 or so walkers, no, 1800.
I was meeting people for 13 miles on the track. It lasted all the way to Kinlochleven. I said "hello", "not far now" " how's it going" to almost all of them. Yesterday I had the way to myself, but what a difference a day makes. In K/leven Harry and I found a spot for the night, and soon a pub for the football. F. William tomorrow, and a day off Monday.

Crianlarich to Bridge of Orchy (Argyll & Bute)

Weather today: Sunny, Warm, Breezy at times

Daily Miles Covered: 13.4

Total Miles Covered: 833

Things of Interest: The West Highland Way

Personal Comments: Another day dawned, and yet again no sign of rain. Back on the The WHW took me through a dense forest of pine trees to start off, uphill as you would imagine. These dense woods do nothing for me, but I know people love them (Ok J.T.) There were plenty of fords on these tracks, but no water at all was flowing down them, we are in the middle of a dry spell, long may it continue. Onward out of the woods and across the A82, quickly, there was the most delightful River Fillan to walk along. Dappled sunlight filtered through the broadleaved woods this time, and was it beautiful. The water was crystal clear trout lazily swimming above the gravel beds, we live in a fantastic part of the world.
Tyndrum was my next place to visit, a stopping off point for supplies for people going further north. I didn't linger just a banana and then Harry accompanied me for a couple of miles. The railway that goes to Fort William was beside the track for a short while and I believe at a certain viaduct they filmed the train going over called The Hogwarts Express in The Harry Potter film.
The track now is easy to follow with mountains towering above on either side drawing me down the valley to Bridge of Orchy. When I got there I secured a pitch for the night and another day completed.

Last Friday at the 700 mile mark unfortunately Phil unluckily succumbed to a problem with his hips. He didn't know it at the time as he bravely battled on for 3 weeks, he had arthritic septaecemia. He was in great pain daily but refused to give in, but his body was in charge, and in Peebles he had to call it a day.
He is now in The Royal Blackburn Hospital on an antibiotic drip for the infection, and currently comfortable. Well done Philip Chippendale, a marine if ever I knew one. Get well soon.

Rowardennan to Crianlarich

Weather today: Sunny warm afternoon

Daily Miles Covered: 21

Total Miles Covered: 819.6

Things of Interest: Loch Lomond

Personal Comments: Following the W H Way north the path was lined with rhododendrons and azaleas of every colour imaginable coupled with an array of wild flowers, this is what gladdens my heart. L. Lomond on my left told me I was going in the right direction, it would be there until lunch, 10 miles or so. The midgies weren't a problem if you kept moving, but once you stopped, they were all over you like a rash, and causing one! The path was tough today, scrambling over boulders, up slopes down them, the progress was slow. Inversnaid hotel was the first time I emerged from the trees into the sunshine about 6 miles on. A large complex in the middle of nowhere, looks like a place, where it would cost you £1 to change your mind! At the top of L.Lomond I had lunch, 30 minutes of complete tranquility, the water gently lapping the shore,and the sun beaming down, heaven. Having done 10, I still have 11 to go and the day is getting warmer. The way became more tough as it climbed and climbed. Water was in short supply as the feeder streams to L. L. had all dried up. 2litres was my ration for the day, just about enough. 4.00pm. came and went and Crianlarich was nowhere in sight, I swear it was going away from me, that's what happens when you're tired. 5.00pm I made it, and a welcome brew put me right again, I hope there aren't many more days like today.

Drymen to Rowardennan (Stirlingshire)

Weather today:Still fresh, cool

Daily Miles Covered: 11.8

Total Miles Covered: 798.6

Things of Interest: Loch Lomond

Personal Comments: Overnight stop was on a car park belonging to The Buchan Hotel, thanks very much. There was need to go too far today, as Rowardennan was at the end of a cul-de-sac. Leaving Drymen by the road was the only route, until I met The West Highand way again at Balmaha. My first view of Loch Lomond was through a small pine forest, I nearly burst into song " O you tak the high road, an' I'll tak the low road....................." There was some activity further down the road, when 4 fire engines passed me at high speed, I found out later there was a small forest fire, as I passed it, emphasis on the small. L. Lomond was now with me all the way, through forest and occasionally on the shore. The mountains around here are magnificent, towering high above the loch, and sweeping down in a concave swoop. The loftiest is Ben Lomond, at nearly 1000m. it stands sentinel above L. Lomond on the eastern side. I think it is the most southerly of all The Munroes (Mountains in Scotland above 3000 ft.) I reached my destination with aching feet today for some reason, I thought they had gone. As I write this, my view looking northwards up the loch has to be the best view I have had since I set off. Now I know why I chose The West Highland Way. Tomorrow will be tough, 21 miles or so over high ground, an early night me thinks.

Twechar to Drymen

Weather today: Best described as very fresh

Daily Miles Covered: 20

Total Miles Covered: 787.8

Things of Interest: Disused railways

Personal Comments: Kirkintilloch was my first port of call down the canal. I reached it at 9.3o, where the wind was nearly blowing cars over. I soon found a disused railway to take me northwards for the first time in 4 days. Milton of Campsie came next, tucked away under The Campsie Fells. The railway took me beyond it, so I didn't get to see much of the village. These disused tracks are a delight to walk, with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy overhead, makes the whole scene beautiful. Further along at Strathblane the track disappeared behind a hotel, so I asked a local chap and he pointed me in the right direction.
Harry was there so I was spoilt with a cup of tea , most welcome. Drymen was my final destination, on The West Highland Way, 10 miles away, but I had already done 10, so it was tough in the afternoon. It was flat walking so the miles came and went, and as I hit the point where the track met the WHW., I felt another chapter unfolding in the walk. The wind was just as strong later in the day, so steady progress to Drymen was done. From now on The WHW will accompany me to Fort William in 6 days or so

Polmont to Twechar (East Dumbartonshire)

Weather today: Cloudy, breezy, warm when sunny

Daily Miles Covered: 17.7

Total Miles Covered: 767.8

Things of Interest: The Falkirk Wheel

Personal Comments: Off again on the canal at 8.30, very breezy for June, I believe its cracking the flags in Accrington. The Falkirk wheel has been on my to see list, so I am looking forward to seeing it. 7 miles to go first. All the wild flowers that love water are out now, bedecking the canal with a floral display, that would be hard to beat at "Chelsea". Water Lilies just coming into bloom, plus Meadow Sweet, Sweet Cicely with it's efficacious smell of aniseed and Water Avens drooping, nearly touching the water, fantastic. There are no locks on this canal, so it's level all the way to Falkirk. Just before Falkirk though there was a 400 m. tunnel. Now this tunnel lies beneath Falkirk town, and it's dark damp and dangerous. Harrison Ford would have thought twice about going through, but I'm here so in I go. All went well until the last 100m. when I heard the sound of rushing water, it was cascading through the roof of the tunnel, and it wasn't rain water!. Well, I wasn't going back so that was the fastest I've moved since Lands End.
The Falkirk Wheel is a masterpiece of civil engineering, lifting boats from one canal to another. It uses 10 kilowatts of power thats 5 electric kettles worth to you and me. It takes 4 minutes to complete, due to a perfect counterbalance system. Afterwards I took to the Forth and Clyde canal, have a guess which cities this canal links, correct. Running out of steam late in the afternoon, I make Twechar a lovely little out of the way place, where we find again, somewhere to watch the football. Tomorrow I leave the canal to make progress towards The West Highland Way

East Calder to Polmont (West Lothian)

Weather today: Cloudy start, very warm afternoon

Daily Miles Covered: 16.9

Total Miles Covered: 750.1
.
Things of Interest: Union canal

Personal Comments: Having done b/b in West Calder, I said my final goodbye to Ross who had done a stirling job for the past 5 weeks. Janet took him back to Preston, I'm sure I'll see him later on. Harry took me back to E. Calder to the same spot from yesterday, got togged up and set off. Almondell country park took me down to a riverside path, which was festooned with red campion and cow parsley, a delightful combination. I soon spotted a footbridge to take me across the river, and then a minor road to The Union Canal. Now as this is a heavily populated area and it was Sunday, cyclists from all over the world, or so it seemed, came to ride on this canal. When I have finished this walk, I am going to make a fortune making bicycle bells for the W. Lothian area, because they are definitely in short supply!.
Canals are easy walking as you know, and I find them boring, but on them, the miles roll by, so I found myself at lunchtime at Linlithgow, having sandwiches by the canal. I pressed on after eating to meet Harry coming towards me 2 miles short of my final destination. We carried on to where the canal met the A80, de-togged and went to find a place which had the football on. After that, a fish supper as they say in these parts, and off to bed.

Baddinsgill to East Calder

Weather today: Cloudy Warm

Daily Miles Covered: 9.3

Total Miles Covered: 743.2

Things of Interest: Pentland Hills

Personal Comments: Leaving Broomlee centre where we were treated so kindly, we made our way back to Baddinsgill farm. I said goodbye to Ross, as it was uphill from the start. Last night we had a torrential downpour which wiped out all the tracks on the paths, It seemed that I was the only person who had ever walked on the Pentlands. Not very high, but high enough to have a certain charm, for me. I pressed on knowing that Janet was bringing Harry our final driver, and essential supplies. The sun did it's best to break through, but kept falling behind high thin clouds. It was a lonely place, for once again I never saw anyone. Once across, I had to to follow the A70 for a short while and then a minor road to East Calder. I spotted a track which took me down to the main railway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, I quickly skipped over a fence, and the track, to make it to East Calder, A small town between Livingston an Edinburgh.
An easy day, but not tomorrow.

Innerleithen to W. Linton (Baddinsgill Farm) 2 days

Weather today: Warm, overcast, occasionally sunny

Daily Miles Covered: 15.3

Total Miles Covered: 733.9

Things of Interest: The old drove road

Personal Comments: Leaving Peebles this morning I was apprehensive about the rights of way in Scotland. Today I had to plot a course over The Cloich Hills, as there are no public footpaths as such, I thought it was going to be a nightmare, wrong. I left the town by the A72 to climb towards the golf club. A foothpath sign said Upper Kidston, I thought it was my birthday. This is on my route. Further up the fellside another sign which read The old drove road to West Linton, I thought I had died and gone to heaven, this was perfection in route finding. I followed this all the way to Romannobridge, over some of the nicest scenery for some time. All day long I never saw a soul. The way which I had marked on the map last night, turned out to be the exact same route as the road, how coincidental is that?
There was no other way after R/bridge but to slog it out on a minor road to W. Linton, once there I saw Ross parked up. Because it was fine and sunny, I decided to press on for 3 extra miles, making less for tomorrow. At Baddinsgill, Ross picked me up and took me to the place where we were to spend the night, Broomlee Centre. We met Jackie and Shelagh who told us we could have a bed for the night, free showers, and they gave us mince and dumplings for tea, and for tomorrow's dinner, ham rolls, how kind is that. They say the Scots don't like the English, rubbish

Galashiels to Innerleithen

Weather today: Cloudy warm

Daily Miles Covered: 13.9

Total Miles Covered: 711.3

Things of Interest: The Three Bretheren

Personal Comments: Having stayed overnight on a car park in Gala. we were keen to set off. The day started misty but we were assured by locals it wouldn't rain. I found the continuation of The Southern Upland Way in the centre of Gala, so up we went. Ross and Kevin (Obby) were with us. The Borders are quite lovely with rolling hills everywhere you look, as you can tell this is my kind of country. Gaining height slowly, the views came along, and they were just as you would imagine in hill country. The light was quite flat so any photos would not do them justice today, but I still took a few.
The Three Bretheren is a hill where 3 county parishes meet, and at 464m. above sea level, today it was a little cool with a northerly breeze. The forests around here seem to stretch forever and beyond. We press on to Traquair, where there is a country house, legend states that a pair of gates called The Bear Gates have been locked since 1745 when the last person to pass through was Bonnie Prince Charlie, and will remain closed until there is a Stuart on the throne again, it could be some time!
2 miles down the road Innerleithen was waiting and so was Ross, we again settle for a space just out of town to spend the night.

Byrness to Jedburgh

Weather today: Heavy Rain am, Dry pm

Daily Miles Covered: 18.20

Total Miles Covered: 676.50

Things of Interest: Border Crossing into Scotland, Dere Street (old Roman road)

Personal Comments: Had two guest walkers today, Kevin O'Brien (Obby) and his wife Elma. They are up in the Borders for a few days on hol. We finally left the Pennine Way today having crossed the border into bonnie Scotland. Weather was dire on the tops but improved later.
We followed an old Roman road called Dere Street which took us over the Cheviot Hills on route to Jedbourgh.
Great scenery and plenty of climbing - ask Elma!
Now in Scotland, we will try and place blogs as often as possible but on some days, we will be unable to post anything due to no internet connection facilities, especially in remote areas.
Be assured we will keep trying to give all details of this "thrilling adventure!"
With England now behind us, we take on the challenge of Scotland! - somebody told me it was flat! Don't think so!!

Into Scotland on 29th May!

Weather today:

Daily Miles Covered: See below

Total Miles Covered: 656.30

Things of Interest: See below (Will give details when better internet connection)

Personal Comments: Appologies for lack of blogs for last few days! Very bad area for internet connection. Will update regularly again when possible.
We are doing well - we are in Byrness today (Wed. 28th May) and will be in Scotland (Jedborough) tomorrow.
656 miles completed! No major injuries!

Bowes to Middleton-in-Teasdale

Weather today: Sunny, warm out of the cool east wind

Daily Miles Covered: 12.50

Total Miles Covered: 575.50

Things of Interest: Redshank, several very large reservoirs, Hannah
Hauxwell's 'High Birk Hatt Farm, Lapwing chicklets.
Personal Comments: Now in County Durham, we left Bowes at 08.30 climbing immediately over the A66 and down into Boldersdale where the large reservoir of the same name was upon us. We continued along the never ending Pennine Way where Lapwings swooped close to us continuously to protect their young.
We also saw Redshank and Red Legged Partridges and Lapwing chicks today.
We later reached a place called 'High Birk Hatt Farm' where Hannah Hauxwell lived for nearly all her long life without electricity and gas. The BBC made a film about her called "Too long a winter" about the severe winter of 1962/63 when she had to survive with just a log fire and not much more!
This site is now called "Hannah's Meadow" and is owned by the Durham County Trust in memory of this extremely hardy lady.
The Pennine Way later brought us to yet another huge reservoir called 'Grassholme' in Lunedale - we climbed up once more from here to the high fells before seeing our first sight of Teasdale, quite stunning.
We dropped down into Middleton-in-Teasdale where tonight we are meeting Laraine and Janet (our respective partners) who are coming up till Sunday morning - that means a day off from walking tomorrow but back at it seriously on Sunday!

Keld to Bowes (Co. Durham )

Weather today: Cool NE Wind Fine

Daily Miles Covered: 13.7

Total Miles Covered: 563

Things of Interest: 13 Pheasant chicks

Personal Comments: Overcast start to the day, with rain threatening, but it never came. We came back to Hawes from Keld yesterday to watch the Champions league final on tv. Off we set this morning to the exact same spot where we left it last night. Keld is the crossing point for the PW. and the Coast to Coast walk, so as you can imagine there is some quite lovely countryside around here. Severe uphill climbs were first on the agenda, taking us across a limestone terrace overlooking the village itself, and good views back to where we were 2 days ago. Always climbing for the first hour we soon came across Tan Hill Inn the highest pub above sea level in Britain. Now as you know people, Phil and myself are strangers to these hostelries, so as it had some noteriety, and it had to be 6.00pm somewhere, we thought we would have a look inside. No chance, it was shut due to a water failure, well, we didn't want one anyway!
Next across Sleightholme moor, a great expanse of peat and heather and nothing else. Just about half way across I came across a female pheasant led flat on the footpath. With wings outstretched, and her tail pointing backwards, we had eye contact. Within 5 seconds she had flown off to reveal 13 baby pheasants huddled together for warmth. I soon had the camera out and took a few shots, we didn't linger.
Still following the PW. we could see the busy A66, lorries everywhere. Our route took us on to Bowes. In Bowes we spoke to a lady who directed us to the village hall, where there was some spare land, just enough for a campervan and a tent, roll on teatime. Middleton in Teesdale tomorrow night.

Hawes to Keld

Weather today: Cool and bright

Daily Miles Covered: 11.70

Total Miles Covered: 559.30

Things of Interest: Great Shunner Fell, Thwaite

Personal Comments: Last day today walking with our two walking mates from Ossy - Frank Mitchell and Mick Wolstenholme. They've been with us for the last 4 days but must now go home.
We left Hawes at 8.30am and walked into Hardraw (famous for the Hawdraw Force water falls).
There has been little rain in the last few weeks so we by-passed this site and headed to the start of the accent to the top of Great Shunner Fell. This is a 2,200ft. + mountain which stood in the way of us and our destination of Keld.
We climbed to the top in just under 1 hour 40 minutes and admired 360 degree panoramic views of spectacular Pennine peaks including what is to be our last view of Pendle which could be seen in the far distant south.
We dropped down to the pretty hamlet of Thwaite (not a brewery in site!!) and finally reached our destination of Keld where the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast paths cross.
Enough walking for today - we're off now to find a pub with a large TV screen to watch the Euro Championship final - it has to be done!

Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes (Wensleydale)

Weather today: Sunny, cool

Daily Miles Covered: 13.9

Total Miles Covered: 547.20

Things of Interest: Sell Gill Holes

Personal Comments: Having woke up to another bright, but cool sunny day, nothing was going to spoil our high moorland walk to Hawes via the Pennine Way. With Frank M. and Michael W. in tow we all left The Crown Inn at Horton by 8.30 am. Following the PW. we soon gained height to have the best views of Ribblesdale, across to Ingleborough and Whernside. Years ago when I first did the PW. I remembered a place called Sell Gill holes, where the water cascades down a pothole and disappears 50 ft. below. It was different today, it had dryed up, due to lack of rain. We all had a look around and off we set. Frank's dog Stanley had vanished, nowhere to be seen, He couldn't be far we said, but we couldn't see him. Frank M. looked down the pothole, and there 50ft. was Stanley, he had chased a rabbit, and gone over the edge, disaster. He seemed ok as he was moving about, and barking I tried to get down, to no avail, so we rang The Mountain and Cave rescue, a number got from the emergency services. They were there in no time and rescued poor Stanley, from a fate worse than death. I don't think he will be off the lead for a while.
Phil and I pressed on for the trek to come. Everything we talked about had a topic about the dog and how lucky he was. Up on the Cam High Road with the wind biting, Wensleydale came into view, with the lovely village of Gayle below us. The route was just as I remembered 33 years ago, with one difference!. In Hawes, Tuesday is market day so the town was very busy, with people selling their wares, Phil bought me an ice cream and we sat down and rested for 20 mins then off to find a site for the night. I don't want anymore days like today.

Malham to Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Weather today: Sunny, Cool

Daily Miles Covered: 12.1

Total Miles Covered: 533.3

Things of Interest: Peregrine Falcon & A Green Woodpecker

Personal Comments: Left Malham early, at 8am, back on the Pennine Way to Malham Cove. We spotted a Peregrine Falcon & a Green Woodpecker as we assended 170+ stone steps to the top of Malham Cove, en-route to Malham Tarn. We had great views over Ingleborough and Penyghent and eventually we dropped into Stainforth. Then we followed the Ribble Way to Horton-in-Ribblesdale and we had the pleasure of Michael Wolstenholme, our regular partner from Oswaldtwistle. We had a great day ending up at the Crown in Horton.

Posted on behalf of Phillip Chippendale

Gargrave to Malham

Weather today: Sunny & Cool (Sun 18th May)

Daily Miles Covered: 6.73

Total Miles Covered: 521.2

Personal Comments: We left Eston Farm campsite at 8.50am to meet Frank Mitchell and Michael Wolstenholme at 9.00am - They were ready, so we set off following the Pennine Way. The views to the north were unsurpassed for beauty. These northern hills have something about them, they always seem to draw me along.
We followed the River Aire for quite a way - a lovely walk to the village of Airton. In Malham at the campsite at Townhead, thanks to the farmer and his wife we had a free pitch - very pleasant people.

Posted on behalf of Frankie Boy

Cowling to Gargrave

Weather today: Cold and cloudy

Daily Miles Covered: 12.00

Total Miles Covered: 514.90

Things of Interest: Fox and Deer (No, not a pub!), Panoramic Pennine Views

Personal Comments: Picked up the Pennine Way from Cowling and quickly gained hight heading for Cowling Hill. Stayed high until dropping down into the extremely attractive hamlet of Lothersdale - described by Alfred Wainwright as "one of the jewels of the northern England".
We climbed from here on to moorland heading for Pinhaw, a well known popular trig point summit.
We descended from here heading for Thornton in Craven where we were met by my two friends Michael Frost and Keith Prosser (fell running friends from Clayton-le-Moors Harriers).
They joined us for our walk as we continued on the Pennine Way finally arriving at East Marton on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Here we crossed paths with two guys both called John (one a vicar), who were travelling from John O'Groats to Land's End and has reached this point after only 43 days - inspirational!
From East Marton, we marched on to Gargrave - our overnight stopping point.
My lower shin problem had improved slightly, thank goodness making the walking easier!
We met our walking mates Frank Mitchell and Mick Wolstenholme in Gargrave for a drink or two! - They are spending the next few days with us on some of our walks and social activities!!
On route today we saw a fox, some deer and splendid views of Pendle and in the distance could pick out Peny-Ghent and Ingleborough.

Todmorden to Cowling

Weather today: Overcast cool

Daily Miles Covered: 18.4

Total Miles Covered: 502.9

Things of Interest: Top Withens

Personal Comments: The van is now sounding like a van again, not like a traction engine, well done Peter Lynch (Broadfield Garage, Oswaldtwistle). Back at Todmorden, a little later than normal, we set off down The Rochdale Canal at 9.40 am. Today we pick up on the famous Pennine Way, some say infamous PW. The path down the canal is easy walking, so for 3 miles we made good progress. Once on the PW. the path became really steep, passing little hamlets of all shapes and sizes, where people exist on the hillside overlooking The Calder Valley. There are fantastic views over the valley, for little effort when climbing.
Once on the top where it levelled off, the views over to Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall were unsurpassed. We don't have time to dally as the wind from the north east is quite cool. By lunchtime we make Gorple reservoir, so we take 30 minutes for sandwiches, and time to reflect on what was ahead.
4 miles further on we arrive at Top Withens where Emily Bronte conceived the idea for the novel Wuthering Heights. I haven't read it myself, but I know the tale. The area is perfect for a story like this, bleak moorland, millstone grit, and streams pouring down every gulley. I'm sure all the sisters loved it around here.
Down past Ponden reservoir, and on over Ickornshaw moor, to Cowling, where Ross had the kettle on, a good brew after 18 or so, went down well